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• MY CIMA

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• Why CIMA
• Qualification process
• Exemptions and accelerated routes
• How you will be supported
• Find a CIMA Training employer
• Register as a student

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Qualification process

If you are new to accounting, you must complete the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting before moving to the next stages of the qualification.

The certificate will introduce you to management accounting and give the basics of accounting and business.  

If you have already studied a relevant qualification - like a degree or a professional qualification in accounting or business - we may grant you exemptions from some (or all) of the five papers at the Certificate level. This will allow you direct entry to the Professional Qualification.

The CIMA Professional Qualification

This specialises in accounting for business and is recognised by employers around the world. There are three learning streams:

• management accounting
• business management
• financial management

You will need to have completed the CIMA Certificate in Business Account for direct entry to the CIMA Professional qualification, unless you have been awarded exemptions from the five papers at Certificate level.

You must complete all exams and at least three years’ relevant practical experience to qualify as a Chartered Management Accountant.

Some highly relevant degree programmes and other qualifications are eligible for exemptions from the Professional Qualification. Find out more about entry to the qualification and look up your qualification on our accreditation database.

Training

The CIMA Professional Qualification is a practical qualification. We recommend that you combine studying for CIMA with relevant employment. This will ensure that you apply your new skills in the workplace. It should also help you to progress quickly through the qualification - 68% of CIMA students receive financial support from their employers.

CIMA Training is an employer recognition scheme that encourages and recognises the quality of training employers give. When looking for an employer think about the support they offer. Employer support differs but often includes:

• financial sponsorship
• study leave
• mentoring
• structured training programmes.

See our list of CIMA Training Partner employers for more.

Studying

Students study for CIMA in different ways. Many combine working with studying and will attend part time classes in the evening or at weekends. Others study full time or by distance learning.

Attending tuition classes, with a provider which has been approved on our CIMA Learning accreditation scheme, is the most effective way of studying. You will benefit from an experienced lecturer with expertise in CIMA and meet and share knowledge with other students.

Find your nearest CIMA study centre.

Other useful methods of study are the CIMA Learning Systems. These are endorsed by CIMA examiners and fully support the CIMA syllabus. They include practice questions, pilot papers, solutions and a full revision section.

For more information and to order your CIMA Study Systems visit CIMA Publishing.

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